Terry Rozier traded to Heat in deal involving 6-time All-Star
Nov 9, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; A detailed view of the special Miami Heat Vice Nights logo on the court prior to the game between the between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a trade that will see them swap veteran point guards.
The Heat have acquired Terry Rozier from the Hornets in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the pick is lottery-protected in 2027 and would become unprotected if it moves to 2028.
Charlotte has no immediate plans to reach a buyout agreement with Lowry and will instead try to trade the 37-year-old in a separate deal.
Rozier is averaging a career-high 23.2 points per game in his ninth NBA season. He has also averaged 6.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game across 30 contests.
Lowry had recently been moved to the bench with the Heat, and the 6-time All-Star was open in expressing his frustration over the decision. A trade seemed inevitable, especially with Lowry being unhappy with his role and playing on a $29.7 million expiring contract.
The Heat could also look to trade another notable player in the coming days.
Charlotte entered Tuesday with a record of 10-31 and nowhere near playoff contention. It made sense for them to sell high on Rozier while the 29-year-old is playing some of the best basketball of his career. The Heat, who are 24-19 and in 6th in the Eastern Conference, are hoping Rozier can continue that scoring output with them.
